Coun Jack Scott, Cabinet member for transport and development, told a meeting of the full council yesterday: "We were alerted about the potential loose cladding by residents who could hear it banging due to the high winds.

"Nothing has fallen from the building at all. Following an inspection, it was decided to declare an exclusion zone and bring in a special abseiling team.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience but it was unavoidable. We know it prevented many people from getting to work and had a significant impact on public transport.